Information Related to the New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA)

This page provides information on the requirements relating to the NYSAA pursuant to the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  NYSAA is part of the New York State (NYS) testing program that measures attainment of the State’s learning standards in the areas of English language arts (ELA), mathematics, and science for students with the most severe disabilities in grades 3-8 and high school.  The NYSAA in ELA, mathematics and science are assessed using the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) alternate assessment.  DLM is a computer-delivered adaptive assessment measuring a student's achievement of the State Standards in these subject areas at a reduced level of depth, breadth, and complexity.  This webpage provides information on NYS’s eligibility criteria to assist school districts and parents in determining the appropriate participation of students with severe disabilities in the NYSAA and on the impact a student’s participation in the NYSAA has on earning a NYS diploma. Information is also provided on ESSA’s 1.0 percent State-level cap on participation of students in an alternate assessment.  Please check this site often for additional resources and updated guidance.

NYSED Updated 2024 Plan for Compliance with NYSAA 1.0 Percent Cap

• New York State 2024 Submission Memo
• NYSED Updated 2024 Plan for Compliance with NYSAA 1.0 Percent Cap

New York State Alternate Assessment Universal Technical Assistance and Supports (Tier 1 Activities)

• 1.0 Percent New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) Webinar – March 2025
• New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) March 2025 Online Quiz
• Eligibility Criteria for Participation in the New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) Policy Brief 
• New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) Decision-Making Tool
• New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) Frequently Asked Questions
• Parent Notification of Participation in the New York State Alternate Assessment (Sample Letter)
• Office of State Assessment – New York State Office of State Assessment Alternate Assessment webpage 

1.0 Percent State Cap on Students Participating in the New York State Alternate Assessment

• Justification for Exceeding 1.0 Percent State-level Cap on New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) Participation and Assurance of Participation in Tier 1 Universal Technical Assistance and Supports (2023-2024 NYSAA Participation Data)
• District Justification Summary Based on 2022-2023 NYSAA Participation Data

ESSA Guidance and Regulations

• 34 CFR 200.1 – State responsibilities for developing challenging academic standards
• 34 CFR 200.6  – Inclusion of students with disabilities in state assessments and alternate assessments
• United States Department of Education Requirements for the Cap on the Percentage of Students who may be Assessed with an Alternate Assessment Aligned with Alternate Academic Achievement Standards (May 16, 2017)
• EVERY STUDENT SUCCEEDS ACT Assessments under Title I, Part A & Title I, Part B: Summary of Final Regulations

Additional Resources

• Dynamic Learning Maps
  • Who are the Students with the Most Significant Cognitive Disabilities?  Video and training materials that can be viewed alone or used in combination for training.
• Center for Parent Information and Resources: Fact Sheet on Alternate Assessments
• National Center on Educational Outcomes - 1% Toolkit
• NCEO Brief 18. Guidance for Examining Disproportionality of Student Group Participation in Alternate Assessments – Root Cause Analysis
• Office of Special Education Educational Partnership